Leisure Archives - Page 10 of 13

Finalists Announced In City And Shire Tourism Awards

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire No Responses »

Oct 172014

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

Two distilleries, a fish and chip shop and a colourful display of dolphin sculptures are among those announced as finalists in the 2015 Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) today (October 15, 2014). Entrants in 14 different categories now face an anxious wait until January 30 next year to learn if they will be crowned winners.

There was a 25% increase in the number of entries received by the awards scheme, which is organised by the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association (ACSHA). It took place for the first time earlier this year.

Two additional categories were also introduced and the sections are now aligned with the national VisitScotland-backed scheme, The Scottish Thistle Awards. It is intended that ACSTA will become adopted as the regional final for the Scottish Thistle Awards by 2016.

ACSTA chairman Iain Watson says the level of interest took organisers by surprise. He commented:

“From the moment we opened for entries in July, there was a steady stream of nominations coming in. Overall we were 25% up on the number of nominations received last year and while we have two additional categories, the increase was seen across the board.

“We have received entries from many of the operators who took part in our inaugural awards in 2014, but also many new faces who are taking part for the first time. It is clear that operators across the city and shire have been inspired by the 2014 event and recognise that this is an opportunity for them to shine.

“I can honestly say that every single facet of the tourism industry is represented in this awards scheme, from small one-man operators through to large multi-national organisations. And that is the wonderful thing about ACSTA – there is a place for everyone at the table.

“This is not about rewarding the organisation that has the most budget or manpower at its disposal: the awards are about recognising operators and individuals who make a real difference to the visitor experience and who are dedicated to ensuring that customers, whether they are here for business or leisure, leave with a first rate impression of what we have to offer.”

Contenders in one of the most hotly contended categories – Most Hospitable Hotel – are this year’s winner Meldrum House, Oldmeldrum; Holiday Inn West Aberdeen; and Tor-na-Coille, Banchory.

Calum Richardson from The Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven, who was a finalist in the Ambassador category in 2014, has once again made the shortlist, along with tour guide Pam Wells and Stephen Gow, the general manager of the Thistle hotel group in Scotland.

Final judging will take place before the end of the year and winners will be announced at a ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen on January 30, 2015. Host for the evening will be broadcaster Tam Cowan. Further information about the awards is available at www.acsta.co.uk

The shortlisted nominees in all categories are:

Our Warmest Welcome – Holiday Inn Aberdeen West; The Jays Guest House, Aberdeen; Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen.

Best Informal Eating Experience – The Bay Fish and Chips, Stonehaven; Buchanan Foods Ltd, Banchory; The Mariner Hotel Ltd, Aberdeen.

Best Event or Festival – Run Balmoral; Bon Accord Steam Engine Club; Wild in Art for Wild Dolphins.

Green Tourism – Holiday Inn Express City Centre, Aberdeen; The Bay Fish and Chips; Mains of Scotstown, Aberdeen.

Creative Ambition – Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne; Thistle Aberdeen Airport Hotel; Visit Royal Deeside.

Friendliest Pub/Bar – Orchid, Aberdeen; The New Inn, Ellon; The Illicit Still, Aberdeen.

Best Visitor Attraction – Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum; World Horse Welfare, Aboyne; Glen Dronach Distillery, near Huntly.

Most Hospitable Guest House – Durn House, Portsoy; Struan Hall Guest House, Aboyne; Glendavan House, Aboyne.

Best Restaurant Experience – Ardoe House Hotel and Spa; Banchory Lodge Hotel; Atlantis Restaurant, Aberdeen.

Best Holiday Accommodation – Ythan Valley Campsite and Little Lodge; High Seas Hobbit, Rosehearty.

Community Involvement Award – Aberdeen Performing Arts; Marriott, Aberdeen; Park Inn by Radisson, Aberdeen.

Most Hospitable Hotel – Meldrum House Country Hotel, Oldmeldrum; Holiday Inn Aberdeen West; Tor-na-Coille Hotel, Banchory.

Young Ambassador – Stuart McPhee, Harding Ltd, Aberdeen; Adelle Chessor, VisitAberdeen; Craig McDonald, Glen Tanar Estate.

Ambassador – Calum Richardson, The Bay Fish and Chips; Pam Wells, Pam Wells Ltd; Stephen Gow,Thistle Aberdeen Altens Hotel.

Ice Rink Returns To Union Terrace Gardens

Aberdeen City, News 1 Response »

Oct 102014

Aberdeen Inspired will once again be bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city, with plans for an ice rink in Union Terrace Gardens. With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus:Mix.

Last year around 2,000 skaters took to the ice and the pop-up attraction is back by popular demand, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council.

The rink will be open from December 1 through to January 5 at its new home in the gardens. Last year the Castlegate was the venue.

Craig Stevenson, the Aberdeen Inspired director with responsibility for the organisation’s events programme, said:

“We decided to bring an ice rink back to the city centre last year after a long absence and the response was phenomenal. It created such a buzz and brought a real sense of fun to the Christmas period.”

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and driving footfall to the zone.

Craig Stevenson added:

“Aberdeen Inspired’s overarching aim is to bring more people to the business improvement district and the ice rink was a huge success from that perspective. We have moved to Union Terrace Gardens this year to add a fresh feel and to allow businesses in a different part of the zone to benefit from the positive impact.

“In saying that, the benefits last year were seen throughout the city centre and not just around the Castlegate. By bringing thousands of people to the heart of Aberdeen it helps support our members but also adds to the atmosphere and feel-good factor surrounding Christmas in the city.”

The length of time the rink will be in place has been extended this year to allow more people to enjoy the attraction over the festive holidays. Admission will cost £3 per person, including skate hire, and all proceeds will once again go to charity. The rink will open from 11am to 8pm each day.

For further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired visit www.aberdeeninspired.com.

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Still Time To Enter City and Shire Tourism Awards

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Featured No Responses »

Sep 122014

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR

The competition is heating up as entries start to roll in for an awards scheme which will celebrate the region’s top tourism providers. Dozens of businesses and individuals have already entered the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA), however there is still time for tourism providers to apply.

With the number of categories increased to 14 from 12 and a new alignment with the national industry awards scheme, the Scottish Thistle Awards, there are now more opportunities than ever for those working in the tourism sector to be recognised for their work.

Awards organiser Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association is looking for entries from operators which show how they go the extra mile for their customers, providing an unforgettable experience for all those visiting the region.

ACSTA chairman Iain Watson says:

“We are delighted with the response we have had so far, and welcome all tourism operators in Aberdeen and the surrounding area to apply and show what they are doing to give their customers unparalleled service.

“There are some incredible tourism businesses in the north east of Scotland, as shown by the outstanding response to our inaugural awards earlier this year, and this is their chance to showcase what they do.

“There are a couple of brand new categories this year, including best festival or event and a section specifically for B&B and guest house operators, so there is now an opportunity for everyone across all sectors to shine. These awards are all about celebrating the tourism industry – a sector which contributes millions of pounds to the local economy every year.

“Not only do we want to shout about our success and the quality of our guest experience as a region, but also give the opportunity for individuals to shine. I know that winners announced at our inaugural event have all benefitted from the positive publicity which surrounded their wins.”

Entries for ACSTA are now open at www.acsta.co.uk and will close on September 23. Three entries will be shortlisted for each category and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Mercure Ardoe House in Aberdeen on January 30, 2015.

The full list of awards categories is:

Most Hospitable Hotel
Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House
Best Holiday Accommodation
Best Informal Eating Experience
Best Restaurant Experience
Friendliest Pub/Bar
Best Event or Festival
Our Warmest Welcome (customer service award)
Best Visitor Attraction
Creative Ambition
Young Ambassador Award
Ambassador
Community Involvement
Green Tourism

A lifetime achievement award may also be presented at the discretion of the awards organising committee. Further information about the entry requirements for each category is available at www.acsta.co.uk

Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association represents 46 independently operated hotels and conference venues. These hotels provide around 4,000 bedrooms in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The Association is committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel services and to furthering the overall standards of excellence and hospitality within the region.

Free Attractions At Duthie Park Open Day

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Aug 152014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Organisers of this weekend’s Friends of Duthie Park Open Day, sponsored by A-FAB, have been boosted with the news that Clydelink, the company that operates pedalos and canoes on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, is offering the attractions for free during the course of Sunday’s event.

Tony Dawson, Chairman of the Friends, believes the gesture will all but guarantee that last year’s attendance figure of just over 6,000 will be surpassed this time round.

“When the pedalos were reintroduced last summer, demand was fantastic and the fact that, along with the canoes, they will be free for the duration of our open day. We will also be offering rickshaw rides round the park I’m sure they will also be extremely popular.

“The park is looking stunning right now and, with so much going on this Sunday, all we need now is the weather to make it another day to remember.”

Among the other attractions at this year’s FODP Open Day (www.friendsofduthiepark.co.uk), which runs from noon until 4 pm on Sunday (17th August), are The Bon Accord Silver band, piper Calum Lawrie, Bokwa with Jodie, Zumba & powerhoops with Elma, The Sharon Gill School of Dancing, Wrestlezone Scotland, The Airyhall Dancers, AFC in the Community, British Military Fitness, First Aberdeen vintage vehicles, various kiddies rides, the canoes and, the one and only, Spike the Talking Cactus.

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Great Train Robbery Exhibit Update

Aberdeenshire, Featured, History No Responses »

Aug 152014

The Land Rover and Diorama are moving on at the end of August. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser, Grampian transport Museum.

Time is running out for members of the public to catch a glimpse of history at the Grampian Transport Museum.

As part of this year’s Great Train Robbery exhibit, a Series 1 Land Rover and Austin Loadstar truck – two of the actual vehicles used in the raid – have been reunited for what is believed to be the first time since the night of the robbery.

The first serious exhibit of its kind, The Great Train Robbery provides an accurate and balanced insight into the events which took place in the early hours of 8th August 1963.

Still billed as the ‘Crime of the Century’ the temporary exhibition, produced by the British Postal Museum and Archive, is further complimented with evidence from Scotland Yard and private collectors.

To help set the scene an absolutely accurate Son et Lumiere model, showing the Bridego Railway Bridge in Ledburn, arrived at the museum in June having been kindly loaned by the Luton Model Railway Club. However at the end of this month both the scale model and Land Rover will be returning to their respective owners.

Mike Ward, museum curator, explains what having the diorama means for museum visitors:

“The robbery took place in the days before rolling news channels and social media meaning there weren’t any pictures taken at the time of the raid. However the Luton Model Railway Club has done a fantastic job of recreating such a detailed scene from the Police photography taken in hours after the event. Our Great Train Robbery exhibition is a fair and accurate account of the raid and its effects on all those involved. We’ve been very fortunate to have such a powerful and topical exhibition this season.”

The Austin Loadstar truck, along with the British Postal Museum & Archive exhibits, will remain at the museum until the end of the 2014 season.

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GTM Seeks Funds For New Visitor Reception Area

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jul 312014

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

Grampian Transport Museum needs a helping hand. The award winning museum has followed an annually updated development programme for the past three decades in order to remain topical, relevant and popular. Recently it has been agreed that the whole visitor reception experience needs a radical rethink.

Like a good hotel GTM needs an area where visitors can arrive, take stock, get their bearings and be introduced to the experience to follow.

To answer this need a new reception extension has been designed that can accommodate an introduction to the seasonal exhibitions mounted at GTM and also the various activities possible at the museum. For example for the first time the museum’s work with schools, heritage skills and the GTM Young Engineers Club will be showcased.

Customer comfort will be upgraded to exceed expectations with a new superloo and coffee and magazine area in a light airy modern structure fronted by a portico carried on salvaged cast iron piers.

The GTM is a self financing educational charity. In revenue terms it is self sustaining at little or no cost to the public purse but when capital projects are to be funded outside help is needed. A fundraising campaign was launched at the museum on 26th June to raise the £320,000 needed to build the new facility. Last Friday, the museum passed the £100,000 mark; the six figure barrier is broken.

However if the museum is to build the facility this Winter as planned the total sum needs to be secured in the next eight weeks. Planning permission has been secured well in advance to ensure that this is possible.

To date funds have come from a number of supportive companies and individuals. The first to commit was BP who are supportive of the museum’s educational programmes.

The GTM is already a highly rated local facility but anyone wishing to help it to take a big step forwards should contact the Curator, Mike Ward on curator@gtm.org.uk or by ‘phoning 019755 62292. Mike will be happy to explain the proposals in detail and also the attractive reciprocations offered to supporters.

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Sentinel Returns To North East Roads

Aberdeen City, Featured, History No Responses »

Jul 312014

Grampian Transport Museum’s Marketing & Events Organiser, Martyn Smith brings news of upcoming events over the next

The oldest surviving complete and original Sentinel Steam Waggon will once again take to the roads this Sunday to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War.

Built at Polmadie in Glasgow in 1914, the Sentinel will be in attendance at a number of events around Alford, as the community reflects on the outbreak of the war.

A special service will be held at Howe Trinity Church in Alford at 9.30am after which the waggon will make its way to commemorative events, starting at the Alford War memorial at 10.50am, before moving on to Tullynessle & Forbes War memorial at 11.30am and Keig War memorial at 12noon.

A team of volunteers at the popular Alford visitor attraction have been putting the finishing touches to the waggon, to ensure it is ready to take part in such an important engagement. The Sentinel was brand new and a state of the art road haulage vehicle when the First World War broke out. It was actually working through the entire period and forms a great living link with the past.

Interestingly, the wartime austerity measures meant that trips and excursions for children were discontinued. However, the museum’s Sentinel in the hands of Sandy Runcie of Inverurie, a local carrier, began to offer trips to school groups to local picnic spots, like Bennachie, in order to boost morale and lighten the mood.

Speaking of the Sentinel as it approaches its 100th birthday, curator Mike Ward explains:

“The Grampian Transport Museum has numerous photos of the occasions, and in the centenary year intend to recreate some of the outings. The traditions continue as the Sentinel frequently offers rides both at the museum and at local events – it is an extremely sociable Sentinel!

“In fact, we will be marking the Sentinels actual birthday on the 13th August by providing rides around our circuit at our Family Fun Day event”

The summer fun continues in Alford when an interesting array of American cars will take to the circuit at the Grampian Transport Museum on Thursday 7th August for the next ‘rides’ event – American Car Rides.

The day will be a celebration of American motoring with vehicles already confirmed including a 1995 Pontiac Trans AM, a pair of American engined AC Cobras, a 1993 Dodge Ram Charger truck plus a stunning replica of the iconic A-Team van, kindly provided by Celebrity Car Hire of Aberdeen.

This unique event is an ‘added value’ extra and is available to museum visitors as part of the standard admission, which is £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and two children are admitted FREE with every adult ticket.

Following the American Car Rides event is the annual Lotus Day, which takes place on Sunday 10th August. This gives museum visitors the chance to climb aboard a number of Lotus examples as they take to the museum’s circuit.

A family fun day follows on Wednesday 13th, featuring Balloon Maker, Face Painting, Puppet Show and rides around the circuit on the museum’s fantastic Sentinel Steam Waggon. Again, these events are included in the museum’s standard admission.

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SpeedFest 2014 Draws In The Crowds

Aberdeenshire, News No Responses »

Jul 042014

With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

Alford SpeedFest 2014 took place at the Grampian Transport Museum on Sunday 29th June with nearly 4,000 people flocking to the outdoor arena to see the largest gathering of rare supercars, performance cars and historic racing cars in the North East of Scotland.

Now in its fifth year, highlights for the 2014 event included displays of the ‘Jim Robbins Special’ Indy car plus the ‘Charles Bang Special’ dragster – a record holder, having set the US ‘D’ class quarter mile record.

The ‘Early Bird Rides’ began on the circuit at 11am, giving members of the public the opportunity to jump into the passenger seat of some of the days participating vehicles.

The event was officially opened at 12.30pm by Joel Sande, father of UK pop star Emeli Sande.

The cutting of a fantastic Packard Bentley inspired cake confirmed that the event was officially underway before Richard Pargetter took to the sky in his Pitts Special to wow the crowds with the first of the day’s displays.

The traditional pursuits took place in the afternoon, with regular demonstrations from the guest vehicles including the Packard Bentley driven by Chris Williams, taking to the track complete with white boiler suit and bowler hat. Spitting flames out of the exhausts of its 1500bhp, 42 litre engine the vehicle was a real crowd pleaser.

Static paddocks were complimented by the appearance of not one but two of the classic McRae Rally Cars, including Y4 FMC (one of the Ford Focus rally cars driven by the late Colin McRae) This complimented perfectly the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth rally car which was also in attendance.

As the day came to a conclusion a ‘Best of British’ parade took to the circuit, featuring some of the vehicles which had taken part in the track events. They were then joined by a rare McLaren P1 for the final few laps.

Museum curator, Mike Ward, enjoyed the day’s proceedings.

“SpeedFest 2014 was a really great event and I’m sure people will long remember the three special guest cars we had – it’s the first time we’ve had a dragster on our circuit, the first time we’ve had an Indy racer on our circuit and certainly the first time we’ve had a 42 litre aero engined Packard Bentley on our circuit. These vehicles captured the imagination of the crowds and it was great to see so much track activity on the day.”

The event organisers would like to express their thanks to the many supporters who helped make the event possible, including John Clark Motors, Parks Motor Group, Revolutions UK, Fennel Inverurie and Peter Vardy Porsche. Special thanks also to the many drivers and volunteer marshals and not forgetting the North East public, whose continued support helped ensure a great event in 2014.

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Forget ‘The Island’ – Become A Wild Woman!

Events, Information No Responses »

Jul 042014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

As a response to the gripping TV show ‘The Island’, Wild things! has launched a Wild Woman weekend, giving women across the nation a chance to embrace their inner ‘Bear Gals’.

With no experience required, the weekend promises to inspire, educate and fulfill even the most unlikely Wild candidates.

Based on the Moray Coast, the environmental education charity is encouraging women to swap their hectic lives for a two-day wilderness escape on August 2nd and 3rd2014.

Arriving in true castaway fashion, the weekend will begin by boat to a remote location. From there, the intrepid explorers will learn traditional living skills such as how to identify wild edible and medicinal plants, cooking over an open fire, having a go at some creative camp craft, as well as sleeping in a hammock or tipi under the stars.

Jennie, the lead instructor for the course says:

“On this wonderful coast, the only sounds you’ll hear at night will be that of the coastal birds and, if we’re lucky, grey and common seals. The course will be restorative, inspiring and fun. You don’t have to be butch, brave or buxom as we will work together as a team. There will be some challenges but only those that will leave you feeling more alive than you ever thought possible, as well as totally in love with the natural world (if you weren’t already!).”

Wild things! is a Scottish environmental education charity based in Findhorn, Moray.

Wild things! offers a variety of inspiring wilderness and nature experiences for all ages and abilities regardless of learning challenges or physical and financial difficulties.

For more information about any of our programmes visit our website www.wild-things.org.uk, or call us on 01309 690450.

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Willows Animal Sanctuary Open Day Saturday 5 July

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jul 042014

This Saturday offers two great opportunities for animal lovers to enjoy an entertaining day out and help support animal welfare charities into the bargain. With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Willows Animal Sanctuary invites you, your friends and family to its next Open Day. Willows in Strichen will hold its gala day this Saturday 5th July.

Come join the staff, farm, domestic, exotic and wild animals living at Willows.

There will be loads to do and see, and animals to meet.

All are welcome to come see the animals, meet the staff, and join in the festivities.

The events run from 11:30 am through 4:30pm; they include:

Live music,
Bottle Stall,
Tombola,
Plant sale,
Lucky ducks,
Gift shop,
Coffee Shop,
Raffle,
and Home-bakes.

Jenny Gray of Willows said:-

“We are hoping this will become a popular annual event to raise money for our winter feed.”

Costs for everyone are spiralling upwards, and animal sanctuaries such as Willows must bear the brunt of price increases. They are reliant on donors to keep going.

A new foal, Fern will be one of the stars of the show. Other new additions include a blind lamb and a racehorse.

Willows were approached by a caring lady who lives near Glasgow and asked to help with a blind lamb whose mother died giving birth to her. Willows were able to give her sanctuary here and also to accept another orphan lamb to become her sighted companion. The blind lamb has been checked by a vet and given the all clear. Both lambs have settled in well and are very popular with visitors.

Chief is an ex racehorse who arrived in early March 2014. His owner was desperate to find him a safe home as he had lost his companions one by one as they be-came old and unwell and these losses were making him extremely stressed. He is an absolutely lovely boy who was totally relaxed about being relocated to Willows.

Somehow the new arrivals sense the peaceful atmosphere at Willows Animal Sanctuary and quickly appear as if they have been resident for years!

Also on Saturday, Redwing Riding School will hold its annual show at Blaikewell Farm.

Click to Enlarge.

Redwing Riding school was opened in 1985 to pay for the maintenance of the growing animal population at Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary. Blaikewell is a small charity in Deeside, Aberdeenshire, providing a home to over 60 horses and ponies, two Jersey cows, and six pigs as well as cats, dogs and any other animal or bird that needs a safe place.
Redwing Riding School has always been conducted with the welfare of the horses and ponies firmly in first place

There will be prizes for horse and rider in many different events, and a raffle to raise funds for the school and Blaikiewell’s. Anyone wishing to help support the animals at Blaikewell can make a donation via this link.

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